Refliction Journal of the Course of Engineering - Assignment Example

Reflection Journal Customer Name Tutor’s Name Grade Course Introduction This reflection journal is in response to the lessons covered so far during the course of engineering. The journal looks at the topics from a critical perspective and evaluates the lessons learned. This journal begins with summarizing the topics and then evaluating each on the contents as well lessons. The emphasis here is on critically analyzing the topics instead of just repeating what has been said in the topics. The flow of the content journal is smooth and the paragraphs lean into each other in an ordered manner. 2.1 Literature Review Techniques Like any other profession an engineer must be able write about what is going to do or learned so far. This is more critical for a student who is going to study and write about other people’s research and represent them for evaluation. Literature Review Techniques Competency elements Literature review entails a number of references which must be quoted during the process of writing the document. It has paragraphs for historical background, theoretical or ideological view points, and empirical approaches to the subject matter, current studies and discoveries as when as conclusion(Liston, 2009). The study of this topic gave the students insights on how to write a research paper as well review the literature available for any subject. Literature review gives a student an opportunity show how ideas, experiments and inventions about a topic have been established by other scholars. It also gives a student an opportunity to identify important areas of the study to avoid inventing what has been done so far(Liston, 2009). The study of this topic gave insights on how to write a research paper as well review the literature available for any subject. 2.2 Introduction to Engineering The objective of this topic is to introduce engineering, its disciplines, challenges, successes and failures and its history. Introduction to Engineering Competency elements It involves the study of engineering translates into action the dreams of humanity, traditional knowledge and the concepts of science to achieve sustainable management of the planet through the creative application of technology. This definition is given in the book called Triumphs of Engineering, which was published in 1940. The book shows how engineering has helped human beings to be civilised using the discipline of engineering by taming nature in appropriate way. The definitions in the book have been strengthened by the institute of professional engineers of New Zealand. The institute has defined engineering as the translation into actions, dreams of humanity, knowledge, and concepts to develop a sustainable planet earth (Griffith School of Engineering, 2013). In the study, the class went through the history of engineering from its inception to date by looking at their achievements such as the irrigation projects of Mesopotamia, the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China and dams of Egypt. These were early projects that helped shape engineering. These projects shows that engineering was responsible the current human civilization. In fact no profession will succeed in the world without engineering. This is because without engineering there will be no hospitals, schools, roads, electricity railway, industries and many other human enhancing facilities. In order to create and maintain these projects, engineers are involved in carrying out research, design, create, develop, produce, supervise, operate and maintain these infrastructures, systems products and technologies(Griffith School of Engineering, 2013). Some of this work of engineers include buildings, roads, railways, vehicles, airports, bridges, aeroplanes, ships, water supply and sewerage systems, wastewater treatment, mines, quarries, metal refining, manufacturing, factories, assembly lines, oil manufacturing refineries, agricultural machinery, air conditioning, elevators, chemical production, plastics, food processing, paper manufacture, oil refineries, corrosion protection, power stations, electricity transmission, telecommunications, information technology, computers, robots, mobile phones, radio, television, space exploration, satellites, global positioning systems, weapon systems, medical technology, artificial human parts, solid waste management, pollution control, contaminated site rehabilitation, etc(The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2011). By studying and identifying the history and works of engineers, one takes into account the various contributions engineering has made to the survival of human race in the planet earth. It can be noted from examples that engineering is helping human beings explore other possible human habitable planets. Therefore it has made the study more interesting. From the examples provide above of engineering works shows that one discipline of engineering cannot achieve all that is why engineering is divided into various disciplines. Some of the disciplines of engineering include, chemical, mechanical civil, electrical, mining, aeronautical, electronic and biomedical. This means a medical doctor will not be sitting in the hospital if engineers were not there. Accordingly like any other profession engineering has its challenges which include criticism from members of the society from what they have failed to do especially from their lack of human relationship. However there are many things to be achieved by engineers in enhancing human life which includes environmental and social responsiveness, developing technology that will help human being live a decent life as the population demands. Some of the challenges for engineers Shedding the stereotypical image; Encouraging females to study (and staying in) Engineering; The expanding diversity of engineering; Education to meet today Needs in a rapidly changing world; Identity, recognition and status; Ethical responsibilities in an increasingly Corporate and financially driven engineering Workplace; Relationship of professional engineers with Allied support professionals such as Technologists; and Rapidly changing technology (Griffith School of Engineering, 2013). It laid down a foundation of the study of the profession of engineering for students. 2.3 Introduction to Engineering Physics Another topic that contributed irrevocably to the success of and supported many projects and infrastructures of engineering is physics. Therefore, physics is part of the disciplines of engineering so that it can understand the contributions of physics to engineering. Introduction to Engineering Physics Competency elements In the study of the engineering physics involved of SI and engineering units such as length, mass, time, temperature, force, power, frequency and pressure. Various formulas were introduced during the study which was essential in creating a future foundation for the study (McMaster University , 2013). The formulas of addition subtraction, division and multiplications for calculating Peters Error Formula’s proved more interesting as examples were employed to demonstrate their usage. Another subtopic that proved vital was “displacement, velocity and acceleration”. This subtopic introduced many laws and formulas which are essential in a day to day movement of objects on earth. Displacement was defined as change in position and it is a vector quantity. A distance was defined as a scalar quantity that is changing from position A to B. there was definition of speed and velocity as the change position per change in time and was grouped as a vector because it has magnitude and direction for velocity (McMaster University , 2013). For speed it was defined as a rate of change of distance over travel time and this is a scalar quantity. This means speed will continue changing over the same route. There was also a definition and study of acceleration as rate of change of velocity over time. These were taken as equations that defined motions on earth. All calculations relating to motions were from equations derived from this three terms. Among the equations derived were the equation of acceleration as (change in velocity) / time taken. Taking u = initial velocity, v = final velocity and t = time taken, g = gravitational force V = u + a x t, s = ut + at2 , v2 = u2 + 2as. These formulas proved to be crucial in the study during this period and are the most crucial formulas in the entire engineering profession. Although the topic simplified the equations, their importance in the study of engineering is seen to be vital. Introduced units which are used in the course of the study. The aim of the physics lesson was to enable us students to have basic physics ideas that will enable the study of engineering. 2.4 Introduction to Microsoft Excel It began with an introduction on how to open an excel workbook and how to switch between work sheets. Introduction to Microsoft Excel Competency elements The lecturer showed how we can increase the number of worksheets as well as how to use the columns rows and cells. It is possible to rename a work sheet from sheet1 to a new name like velocity and each sheet was seen to have columns ranging from A-Z as well as increasing to AA-ZZ. The rows were numerous to 65536. This is quite a large number which will assist in carrying out mathematical calculations. The students were trained how to explore the excel worksheet from entering the data carrying out calculations, sorting; inserting formulas and many other excel related functions. From the study it proved beyond doubt that the relationship between excel and engineering is greater than the programmers of the excel spreadsheet anticipated. understanding excel makes an engineering work easier. This assessment is true and correct considering examples provide during the study. 2.5 Introduction to Engineering Statics The introduction of static in engineering has proved beyond reasonable doubt that engineering is the study of all things. Introduction to Engineering Statics Competency elements It introduced a state of equilibrium by a body as when all forces are equal. That is the upward, downward, left and right forces are equal. If there is change in any of the forces, the body will not be at equilibrium(Brown University, 2013). For example if a man is hanging on a branch of a tree, he will be at equilibrium so long as the branch does not break. If it breaks the upward force will be lower than the downward force thus the person will fall down. In short, equilibrium is when a body is at rest and stays that way or it is in motion at the same speed and direction. Static was defined as a branch in mechanics that deals with physical systems that are in static equilibrium(Brown University, 2013). In static equilibrium the following formulas will be of great importance in the study. ∑Fx = 0, ΣFy = 0 and ΣM = 0 (Brown University, 2013). Where Fx means horizontal, Fy vertical force and M moments. Various examples were provide for which included roller, hinge or pin support, fixed support that is building houses. Static engineering is one of the most important introductions that will define the ability of a student to understand the profession. 2.6 How to Write Laboratory Reports In the course of study in physics, laboratory reports are crucial as various experiments will be carried out. Accordingly, the layout of this report should be user friendly that is enable the reader understand the experiment carried out and its outcome. How to Write Laboratory Reports Competency elements The report should have an objective, introduction to report, apparatus used during the experiment, procedures followed, results, discussion, and conclusion. The aim explains why one undertook the experiment. An introduction to the study is critical as it addresses the relevance of the experiment as well as it is benefits not only to the user but to the entire human race. Apparatus for the experiment needs to be highlighted since it will help those who want to confirm the results undertake similar experiments to check the authenticity of the result. Apparatus alone cannot assist one confirm the results if the procedure followed is not given. This is why in writing laboratory report procedure is an essential component (Bibby, 2012). After the experiment has been carried out, the result must be presented in a manner that is understandable to the intended audience. The results can presentment in graphs, tables, diagrams and literature. However wordings are limited in this section. Discussion section of the report provides an overview of the final results obtained. In this section it was understood that the use of some wording like first we did this, and then we did this should be avoided. Discussion involves comparing expected results as well as obtained results, highlighting discrepancies noted (Bibby, 2012). The laboratory will have a conclusion for the results obtained. Conclusion should be brief as it will act as a summary of the results obtained in relation to aim of the experiment. Like any other report, it should have references and if need be appendices. Increases ability to write reports 2.7 Oral Presentations All works written can be presented orally or in report form. Having looked at report writing, oral representation became the next topic. Oral Presentations Competency elements In making Oral representation one should speak confidently and clearly, speak with sufficient volume, use the ABC and XYZ system, be Concise, and examine Your Zipper. Always know exactly what you are talking about and understand the audience. Have ability to use programs like PowerPoint In representing power point is used with projectors display the information which will be seen by the audience. However, it is unprofessional for a presenter to read directly from the text on the slide(Storz, 2002). Improved the ability to present learned ideas to professional audiences 3.0 Lessons Learned The journal is relevant to the engineering studies in so far as it relates to the process improvement education and grasps new ideas. Reflection journal has been adopted as a methodology improving lessons learned by students as it puts lot of emphasis on the critical analysis of the topics covered during the study. It consists of planning for analysis, then executing the plan or the sequence of steps needed to achieve the plan, studying the results of the endeavor with a view to improving on the next loop and finally, acting on the feedback. The content in the journal is well presented and explains the terms and various topics covered so far. The content has been presented in a cogent manner with lucid description of the various components of the subjects. In conclusion, the reflection journal is a valuable addition to the learning process of a student as it contributes towards understanding of engineering with particular reference to the introduction to the profession. As intended, the journal has fostered professional development; including writing skills, in particular, report writing skills. Since communication among engineers and audience is done using the writing, it is important for each one of us to learn the intricacies of articulating one's thoughts and ideas into written words so that others may understand what a person is driving at. This process has lead to carefully review class postings so that it would not be misunderstood or taken out of context. It can be appreciated how well written communication skills can play a part in accomplishing a study References Bibby, P., 2012. How to Write A Laboratory Report. School of Psychology University of Nottingham. Available online at < http://www.psychology.nottingham.ac.uk/staff/dmr/c81mpr/HOW%20TO%20WRITE%20A%20LABORATORY%20REPORT.pdf> Brown University, 2013. EN3: Introduction to Engineering and Statics. Division of Engineering Available online at [Accessed 09 May 2013]. Griffith School of Engineering, 2013. 1007ENG Engineering Fundamentals- Introduction to Microsoft Excel Liston, k., 2009. Literature review methods: Point of departure. Available online at < http://www.stanford.edu/class/cee320/CEE320A/POD.pdf>[Accessed 09 May 2013]. Storz, C., 2002. Oral Presentation Skills- A Practical Guide. Available online at < http://people.engr.ncsu.edu/txie/publications/oral_presentation_skills.pdf>[Accessed 09 May 2013]. McMaster University , 2013. Introduction to Engineering Physics. Available online at >[Accessed 09 May 2013]. The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2011. Introduction to Engineering. Available online at [Accessed 09 May 2013]. Read More

From the examples provide above of engineering works shows that one discipline of engineering cannot achieve all that is why engineering is divided into various disciplines. Some of the disciplines of engineering include, chemical, mechanical civil, electrical, mining, aeronautical, electronic and biomedical. This means a medical doctor will not be sitting in the hospital if engineers were not there. Accordingly like any other profession engineering has its challenges which include criticism from members of the society from what they have failed to do especially from their lack of human relationship.

However there are many things to be achieved by engineers in enhancing human life which includes environmental and social responsiveness, developing technology that will help human being live a decent life as the population demands. Some of the challenges for engineers Shedding the stereotypical image; Encouraging females to study (and staying in) Engineering; The expanding diversity of engineering; Education to meet today Needs in a rapidly changing world; Identity, recognition and status; Ethical responsibilities in an increasingly Corporate and financially driven engineering Workplace; Relationship of professional engineers with Allied support professionals such as Technologists; and Rapidly changing technology (Griffith School of Engineering, 2013).

It laid down a foundation of the study of the profession of engineering for students. 2.3 Introduction to Engineering Physics Another topic that contributed irrevocably to the success of and supported many projects and infrastructures of engineering is physics. Therefore, physics is part of the disciplines of engineering so that it can understand the contributions of physics to engineering. Introduction to Engineering Physics Competency elements In the study of the engineering physics involved of SI and engineering units such as length, mass, time, temperature, force, power, frequency and pressure.

Various formulas were introduced during the study which was essential in creating a future foundation for the study (McMaster University , 2013). The formulas of addition subtraction, division and multiplications for calculating Peters Error Formula’s proved more interesting as examples were employed to demonstrate their usage. Another subtopic that proved vital was “displacement, velocity and acceleration”. This subtopic introduced many laws and formulas which are essential in a day to day movement of objects on earth.

Displacement was defined as change in position and it is a vector quantity. A distance was defined as a scalar quantity that is changing from position A to B. there was definition of speed and velocity as the change position per change in time and was grouped as a vector because it has magnitude and direction for velocity (McMaster University , 2013). For speed it was defined as a rate of change of distance over travel time and this is a scalar quantity. This means speed will continue changing over the same route.

There was also a definition and study of acceleration as rate of change of velocity over time. These were taken as equations that defined motions on earth. All calculations relating to motions were from equations derived from this three terms. Among the equations derived were the equation of acceleration as (change in velocity) / time taken. Taking u = initial velocity, v = final velocity and t = time taken, g = gravitational force V = u + a x t, s = ut + at2 , v2 = u2 + 2as. These formulas proved to be crucial in the study during this period and are the most crucial formulas in the entire engineering profession.

Although the topic simplified the equations, their importance in the study of engineering is seen to be vital. Introduced units which are used in the course of the study. The aim of the physics lesson was to enable us students to have basic physics ideas that will enable the study of engineering. 2.4 Introduction to Microsoft Excel It began with an introduction on how to open an excel workbook and how to switch between work sheets.

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